The World Adherence Forum 2024, held in Brussels, focused on advancing medication adherence through digital innovation, aiming to improve health outcomes across Europe. Bringing together experts from clinical, policy, pharmaceutical, and digital health sectors, the event served as a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring the latest tools and technologies. Among the key participants was Professor John Weinman, Director of the Centre for Adherence Research & Education (CARE) at King’s College London, who contributed to discussions on how digital solutions can address adherence challenges.
Dr. Weinman, a recognized leader in health psychology, has played a major role in research aimed at improving patient self-management and adherence to treatments, making his contributions at the forum particularly relevant.
A Diverse and Influential Attendee List
The forum attracted a wide array of influential organizations, highlighting the importance of collaboration in tackling medication adherence:
Clinical Organizations such as the European Respiratory Society (ERS), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) were represented, alongside the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
Policy Groups like the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) also took part, contributing a global perspective to the discussions.
The pharmaceutical and MedTech industries were well-represented by companies such as Abbott, Merck, Pfizer, and innovative digital health providers like Pill Connect, iZafeGroup, and Atlantis Health.
Scientific and Patient Organizations such as the International Society for Medication Adherence (ESPACOMP), European Kidney Patients Federation (EKPF), and European Lung Foundation (ELF) added critical insights from a research and patient advocacy perspective.
ENABLE COST Action: Improving Medication Adherence in Europe
A central focus of the forum was the ENABLE COST Action, a European initiative that has been addressing the challenges of medication adherence. Launched in 2022, the project has brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to understand the barriers to adherence, such as patient behavior, medication complexity, and healthcare system constraints.
ENABLE has emphasized the development of digital tools for medication management, while promoting patient-centered approaches tailored to individual needs. Over its four-year duration, it has hosted key meetings, including its first in Malaga in May 2022 and its most recent in Istanbul in April 2024.
Digital Solutions in Medication Adherence
One of the forum’s key sessions focused on the role of digital innovations in addressing medication adherence, moderated by Dr. Weinman. Discussions highlighted the growing potential of technologies like smart medication tracking systems, personalized digital interventions, and tools designed to help patients better manage their treatments. These solutions are seen as crucial for improving health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.
As digital health continues to evolve, the insights shared at the World Adherence Forum 2024 underscore the importance of integrating new technologies into healthcare practices, particularly in managing adherence and supporting patient-centered care.